Like Game 2, Donovan Mitchell (33 points, 7/12 from 3-point range, 6 rebounds) starts strong. He scored 11 points in the first quarter, 3/5 from 3-point range, but Jayson Tatum (33 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists) did better with 12 points, 2/4 from far away. The two players are well supported by Evan Mobley (17 points, 8 rebounds) and Jrue Holiday (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), and it is the Celtics who are in the lead (30-28).
Joe Mazzulla's men then hit the nail on the head. Jaylen Brown (28 points, 9 rebounds) joins the festival of the Tatum – Holiday duo and the Celtics pass a 15-6 to their opponent to take a nine-point lead (47-38). Donovan Mitchell continues to punish Al Horford and the “switches” of the Boston defense, but he is too lonely to keep the Cavs in contact (57-48).
Vigilant Celtics
With Cleveland on the ropes, the Celtics seized the opportunity to knock out the Cavs early in the second half. The long-distance skill of Derrick White and the circle attacks of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown launch a 14-0 which puts Boston at +23 (71-48)! Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert (15 points, 6 rebounds) allowed the Cavs to finish the third quarter with a 21-13 lead, but their backs were against the wall (84-69).
Darius Garland (15 points, 6 assists) and Evan Mobley bring Cleveland to -9 at the start of the last period, but they will never come back closer (84-75).
Vigilant, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum respond to each Cavs attempt. They score 14 of their team's 22 points, and Boston cruises to a controlled victory to regain home field advantage.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A 14-0 which hurts a lot. At the break, Donovan Mitchell accounted for 23 of his team's 48 points, 8/12 on shots. The rest of his team was on 25 points at 10/28. But with Mitchell silent for the first three minutes of the third quarter, the Cavs took on water, conceding a 14-0. They will never recover. Evan Mobley, Caris Levert and Darius Garland woke up at the end of the match but Cleveland was too far behind.
– Jrue Holiday decisive. The point guard had not scored more than 15 points in a game since March 12. This night, he scored 15 of his 18 points in the first 18 minutes of the game. Jrue Holiday punished the Cavs' switches in the first half, while Jaylen Brown and Derrick White had not yet entered their game. In the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, the offensive contribution of Jrue Holiday is decisive for Boston in this series.
– The Celtics dictated their tempo. Never in rhythm in Game 2, the Celtics quickly took control of Game 3 thanks to their defense but also by playing at the right tempo. Boston had played slowly and without movement in the last match but, this night, they took off by being diligent in attack. They started their possessions quickly, the ball moved, and every player was aggressive. When they play like that, the Cavs don't stand a chance.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
